New Year’s Eve Drinks

It’s finally (almost) here: The New Year! But first we need to say goodbye to 2016 and officially ring in 2017. What better way to do that than a midnight toast! What will you serve when the clock strikes twelve? Sure, you could go with basic champagne, but why be boring? And why only serve something that anyone under 21 (hi, kids!) and anyone who’s expecting can’t enjoy? Check out this list of celebratory New Year’s Eve drinks sure to please every party guest on your invite list.

Shirley Temple: I can’t put together a list of non-alcoholic party drinks without mentioning this classic. Although, I have to add: I’m not a bartender, but I don’t think the original used Pop Rocks…

Photo credit: Modern Parents Messy Kids

New Year’s Eve Mocktails: While we’re on the subject of throwing candy into our drinks, why not talk about this fun recipe inspiration: light-colored sparkling juice with rock candy or gummy bears in the glass. Total kid-pleaser.

Photo credit: Annie’s Eats

Pomegranate Blueberry Mocktail: A fun, fruity option, this drink combines the fall and winter flavor of pomegranate with spring blueberries—yum. And the recipe includes instructions for “de-virginizing” the drink for you or guests who wish to imbibe.

Photo credit: Parenting

Faux Champagne: Okay, so you’re sticking with the classic champagne toast? No worries—we’ve got you covered with a faux champagne recipe for the non-drinkers.

Photo credit: Simple Solutions Diva

Milk and Cookie Toast: Let’s step back from the sweet, fruity drinks and take a look at good old milk. Dress up plastic champagne flutes with a chocolate and sprinkle rim, fill them with milk, and top them with a cookie.

Alcoholic Options

Photo credit: Delish

Pomegranate Moscow Mule: I’m a big fan of the Moscow-Mule-inspired-drinks trend. Try one out for New Year’s Eve!

Photo credit: Martha Stewart

Cognac Sparklers: My husband likes his cognac at Christmas, but mixing it with bubbly sparkling cider (your choice of hard or soft) makes it plenty festive enough for New Year’s Eve.

Photo credit: Mix That Drink

Avartini Cocktail: In a world of warm-colored bubbly cocktails, this drink dares to be different. I like the pretty color, which puts me in mind of tropical islands rather than frigid Midwestern winters—not a bad state of mind for the start of a new year.

Photo credit: Delish

Champagne Cocktail: Think of this simple-to-make drink as your champagne all dressed up for the party.

Photo credit: Liquor.com

Airmail Punch: Rum, champagne, honey, and lime. How could you go wrong with this unique twist on the traditional champagne cocktail?

Photo credit: Food and Wine

Platinum Sparkle: The base of this drink can be made pre-party. Then you can quickly add the additional ingredients, shake, and strain into a glass when it’s time to serve.

Photo credit: Whole Foods Market

Cider 75: This cocktail recipe had me at “the perfect accompaniment to aged cheeses.” I kind of feel like your party can’t go wrong with good cheese and a good drink.

It should go without saying, but I’m a parent so I’ll say it: Please drink responsibly! If you’re going out for the evening, have a designated driver or a plan to get home safely. Ahem. Now that that’s out of the way: Enjoy, have fun, and Happy New Year to you all!

Christina lives in Northwest Illinois with her husband, daughter, and two English Springer Spaniels. Before becoming a reluctant stay-at-home mom, she worked in a variety of customer-service-oriented jobs while dreaming of living in the lap of luxury as a housewife. Unfortunately, having a child threw a wrench in Christina's plan to do nothing but eat bonbons while lounging in the Jacuzzi reading all day. Now, she spends her time looking for fun activities and crafts for her daughter and easy-to-prepare meals for her family, while trying not to land the kid in therapy when she grows up. Christina volunteers at her local library, and does both volunteer and paid work as a sexuality educator. She loves to read, and to learn about--and share--new products and resources.